Craigieburn Eagles are the first team through to the Big V women’s division 1 grand final after a hard fought win against the Whittlesea Pacers.
After a mixed few weeks for the Eagles, with injuries playing a big role, the Eagles showed why they have been the team to beat all season on Saturday night.
The Eagles led at the first break before a 28-18 second quarter opened up a 15 point lead at the main break.
While the Pacers were able to slightly eat into the lead, the damage had been done with the Eagles winning, 86-75.
Eagles coach Tobi Swinley said it was a really good feeling to be through to the grand final.
“How good is it?” he said. “It’s fantastic and it’s a good reward for two years of grinding away for most of the girls.
“It’s nice to have the team and the players we have all on the same page.”
While missing two starters, the Eagles have plenty of depth as they look to cover those who are missing.
Swinley said it does make it more challenging but said the side was really adaptive which was a massive positive.
Swinley said what was most pleasing about the win was how they played.
“We had a game plan and we executed it almost to a tee,” he said. “We played really well at the start.
“We have a really good defensive unit and we’ve played some stellar defence on the good players.”
Tegan Cunningham was busy early for the Pacers and finished 19 points, but the Pacers were able to limit her influence in the season half. Swinley said sometimes good offence is just too good for good defence.
Tegan Hindle top scored for the Eagles with 23 points as five players scored double figures.
The Eagles get the week off before the grand final which will be held at Craigieburn.
Swinley said the week off was fantastic and would give them time to refresh ahead of the grand final.
He said the Saturday night’s match up could quite easily be a grand final match up in a couple of weeks time.
The Pacers will face the Western Port Steelers in the preliminary final, after the Steelers came from behind to beat the Altona Gators in the other semi final.
